If you're looking for something to do with the family this weekend, check out the Baltimore City Fire Department's annual Thrill Show, where visitors can see live burns, go for a ride in a fire truck and much more for free.

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Firefighters early Thursday morning previewed the annual show by sending an old car up in flames to show how best to put it out. It was just a practice run for this weekend's event at the fire academy on Pulaski Highway.

One of the things spectators will see on Saturday is the Firefighter Challenge in which firefighters run up a five-story building with a hose while carrying dummies. None of it is easy, which gives those watching a new appreciation for the job.

In the 11 News preview, firefighter Jeremy Dulin climbed four flights of stairs carrying more than 70 pounds, only to pull up an extra hose to show what might happen in a real fire. He also demonstrated the strength needed to drag a hose pumped full of water, as well as what it takes to life a 180-pound man to safety.

"We're just giving you a small glimpse of what may happen, and it's a very small glimpse of what the guys have to do when they approach. There are so many unknowns and so many things that could go wrong or differently than what you see here," said Fire Inspector Kevin Williams.

"You get to see the kids in the neighborhoods. They love the thrill shows and to see the live fire burns. It puts a smile on their faces," Dulin said of the show that's filled with events for children.

"We're going to have an 1899 fire pumper steamer, a sprinkler trailer, a moon bounce, and we actually have a fire engine ride also," said Deputy Chief Shawn Belton.

The show is free thanks to the event's sponsor, the Maryland Association of Justice Foundation.

"It's public awareness. It's public safety. We used to do smoke detectors, but now we've come out with this thrill day every year, and it's an incredible opportunity for us to see firsthand what the Fire Department does," said MAJ President Larry Greenberg.

"We want the kids to start learning what to do, when to do it, how to do it and where to go once you've done it when you're talking about fires and fire safety," Williams said.